Muller, Dillon to fulfill lifelong dreams

Hofstra Law School, Hempstead, N.Y. — Amy Muller, 25, and Barbara Ann Dillon, 41, may have very different lives but soon they’ll fulfill a common dream when they are graduated from Hofstra Law School on December 18.

For Amy Muller, it’s a bitter sweet moment.  “I've wanted to become an attorney for as long as I can remember,” she said.  Those memories were shared with Muller’s father who passed away nine years ago.  Despite the tragedy, Muller forged ahead and is now poised to become an attorney, a dream her entire family had for her as well.  “The commencement will be a nice event for my family to attend, and will be a meaningful step forward in my life.”

After graduation and the bar exam, Muller will work for a state court judge in Pennsylvania with the hope of becoming an assistant district attorney.

Studying full-time for two and half years at Hofstra Law, Muller will miss the people and the place she’s called home.  “Hofstra Law School showed me what it means to have a real community.  People help each other,” she said.  “I've enjoyed having intelligent professors to learn from, and I've especially enjoyed my clinical work under Professor Theo Liebmann.  Also, that I am very grateful for having earned the opportunity through Hofstra Law to go to Italy in a study abroad program and be taught by Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”

Dillon is a part-time evening student who works full-time as the Director of Human Resources for Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).  Juggling work, school and family has been no simple task.  “I make it my business to spend the weekends reading,” said Dillon who believes the law school experience has enhanced every aspect of her life.  

“I shocked myself in terms of my abilities.  Law school has instilled a higher level of confidence in me and learning to think like a lawyer has helped me become a better professional,” said Dillon.

Dillon plans on continuing her employment with LIPA and applying her legal skills to employment and labor matters.  She may be leaving campus but she will take with her fond memories of Hofstra Law.  

“The culture Dean Nora Demleitner has created is amazing,” said Dillon.  “Dean Demleitner is engaged with students and clearly committed to success of the law school.  Professor Richard Neumann made such a mark on me in my first year because he was so encouraging and inclusive.  Professor Eric Lane is an intellectual giant and his perspective has broadened my thinking and helped me to shore up my own beliefs.  Last, but not least, one day when I was feeling nervous about my final exam, Professor Elizabeth Glazer listened to my concerns then gave me her contact information and assured me that I could reach out to her with any questions about the class.  That was so gracious.”